A method for LBT failure detection performed by a UE is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a MAC entity of the UE, an LBT failure indication from a lower layer for all UL transmissions; increasing an LBT failure counter when the MAC entity receives the LBT failure indication; determining an LBT failure event occurs when the LBT failure counter is greater than or equal to a threshold; and resetting the LBT failure counter after the MAC entity has not received the LBT failure indication for a time period.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon; and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: receive, by a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity of the UE, a Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failure indication from a lower layer of the UE for all uplink (UL) transmissions; increase an LBT failure counter when the MAC entity receives the LBT failure indication; determine that an LBT failure event has occurred when the LBT failure counter is greater than or equal to a threshold; and reset the LBT failure counter when a reset of the MAC entity is requested by an upper layer of the UE.
The invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the handling of Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in user equipment (UE) to improve uplink (UL) transmission reliability. In wireless networks, LBT is used to ensure fair channel access by requiring devices to check for signal activity before transmitting. However, repeated LBT failures can degrade performance. The invention provides a mechanism to monitor and manage LBT failures at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer of the UE. The UE includes a processor and non-transitory memory storing instructions to execute the following steps. The MAC entity receives an LBT failure indication from a lower layer for all UL transmissions and increments an LBT failure counter upon each failure. If the counter reaches or exceeds a predefined threshold, the UE determines an LBT failure event has occurred, triggering corrective actions. The counter is reset when the MAC entity is reset by an upper layer, such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. This approach helps mitigate the impact of persistent LBT failures by enabling the UE to detect and respond to transmission issues dynamically, improving overall communication efficiency and reliability.
2. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: switch an active Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the UE to another BWP after determining that the LBT failure event has occurred.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) handling bandwidth part (BWP) switching during listen-before-talk (LBT) failure events in unlicensed spectrum. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication by dynamically adjusting BWP configurations when LBT procedures fail, which can disrupt data transmission. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to monitor for LBT failure events, such as when the UE cannot access the channel due to persistent interference or signal contention. Upon detecting such an event, the processor switches the active BWP to another BWP to mitigate the failure. The BWP switching helps avoid prolonged disruptions by transitioning to a different frequency resource with potentially better channel conditions or less interference. The UE may also transmit an indication of the LBT failure to a network node, such as a base station, to facilitate coordinated recovery actions. This dynamic BWP adjustment improves communication reliability in unlicensed spectrum environments where LBT failures are common.
3. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: indicate, by the MAC entity of the UE, to the upper layer of the UE an LBT failure problem after determining that the LBT failure event has occurred.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing issues with Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in user equipment (UE). LBT is a mechanism used in unlicensed spectrum to ensure fair channel access by requiring devices to check for signal activity before transmitting. However, LBT failures can disrupt communication, and the invention provides a solution for reporting such failures to higher protocol layers in the UE. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to perform LBT procedures. When an LBT failure event occurs, the UE's Medium Access Control (MAC) entity indicates this failure to the upper layers of the UE. This reporting mechanism allows the upper layers to take corrective actions, such as retrying transmission or switching to a different channel, thereby improving communication reliability in unlicensed spectrum environments. The MAC entity is responsible for managing access to the shared medium, while the upper layers handle higher-level functions like radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). By reporting LBT failures to these layers, the UE can adapt its behavior dynamically, reducing disruptions caused by failed LBT attempts. This approach enhances efficiency and reliability in wireless networks operating in unlicensed bands.
4. The UE of claim 3 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: perform a Radio Link Failure (RLF) recovery procedure.
A system and method for enhancing wireless communication reliability in a user equipment (UE) device involves detecting and recovering from radio link failures (RLF) in a wireless network. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to monitor the quality of the radio link between the UE and a network node, such as a base station. If the link quality falls below a predefined threshold, the UE determines that an RLF has occurred. Upon detecting an RLF, the UE initiates an RLF recovery procedure to reestablish communication with the network. This procedure may involve scanning for available cells, selecting a suitable cell, and performing a connection reestablishment process. The recovery procedure ensures minimal service disruption by quickly re-establishing a stable connection. The system may also include additional features, such as logging RLF events for diagnostic purposes and adjusting communication parameters to prevent future failures. The invention improves network reliability and user experience by proactively managing radio link quality and efficiently recovering from failures.
5. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: perform a re-establishment procedure by transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) re-establishment request message indicating a re-establishment cause as LBT failure, when the LBT failure event occurs in a Primary Cell (PCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing issues related to Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in cellular networks. The problem occurs when a User Equipment (UE) experiences an LBT failure in the Primary Cell (PCell), disrupting communication. The invention provides a solution by enabling the UE to perform a Radio Resource Control (RRC) re-establishment procedure when such a failure occurs. The UE transmits an RRC re-establishment request message, explicitly indicating the re-establishment cause as an LBT failure. This allows the network to recognize the specific issue and take appropriate corrective actions. The invention ensures reliable communication by enabling the UE to recover from LBT failures without manual intervention. The solution is particularly useful in unlicensed spectrum deployments where LBT is mandatory, improving network resilience and user experience. The UE's processor executes instructions to detect the LBT failure and initiate the re-establishment procedure, ensuring seamless connectivity. The invention enhances existing wireless communication protocols by integrating LBT failure handling into the RRC re-establishment framework.
6. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: transmit, to a master node, a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) failure report indicating the LBT failure problem when the LBT failure event occurs in a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing issues with Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in Secondary Cell Group (SCG) configurations. In wireless networks, particularly those operating in unlicensed spectrum, LBT mechanisms are used to ensure fair and interference-free access to the channel. However, LBT failures can occur, leading to communication disruptions. The invention focuses on improving error reporting and recovery in scenarios where an LBT failure occurs in a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell), which is a key component of the SCG in dual connectivity setups. The invention involves a user equipment (UE) configured to detect LBT failures in the PSCell and report these failures to a master node, such as a master base station. The UE includes at least one processor and memory storing computer-executable instructions. When an LBT failure event is detected in the PSCell, the UE generates and transmits an SCG failure report to the master node, indicating the LBT failure problem. This report allows the master node to take corrective actions, such as reconfiguring the SCG or triggering a handover, to mitigate the impact of the LBT failure. The invention enhances reliability in unlicensed spectrum operations by ensuring timely detection and reporting of LBT-related issues, thereby improving overall network performance and user experience.
7. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: receive a configuration that indicates the threshold.
A system and method for managing wireless communication in a user equipment (UE) device involves dynamically adjusting communication parameters based on network conditions. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to monitor signal quality metrics, such as signal strength or interference levels, and compare these metrics against predefined thresholds. When the monitored metrics exceed or fall below the thresholds, the UE adjusts its communication parameters, such as transmission power, modulation scheme, or resource allocation, to optimize performance. The UE may also receive configuration data from a network node, such as a base station, which specifies the threshold values for signal quality metrics. This configuration allows the network to dynamically control the UE's behavior based on network-wide conditions. The system ensures efficient use of network resources while maintaining reliable communication links. The UE may further include a transceiver for wireless communication and a memory for storing the configuration data and signal quality metrics. The dynamic adjustment of communication parameters helps mitigate interference, reduce power consumption, and improve overall network efficiency.
8. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: reset the LBT failure counter when the threshold is reconfigured.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) handling listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures in unlicensed spectrum. The problem addressed is managing LBT failure counters when operational parameters, such as thresholds, are dynamically reconfigured, ensuring efficient spectrum usage and compliance with regulatory requirements. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions for performing LBT procedures. During these procedures, the UE monitors channel conditions and increments a failure counter when LBT attempts fail. If the counter exceeds a predefined threshold, the UE may adjust its transmission behavior or cease operations temporarily. The invention improves upon this by resetting the LBT failure counter whenever the threshold value is reconfigured. This ensures the counter reflects the new threshold, preventing premature or unnecessary transmission restrictions due to outdated failure counts. The reset mechanism allows the UE to adapt quickly to changing network conditions or policy updates, maintaining optimal performance in shared spectrum environments. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where regulatory or network policies frequently adjust LBT parameters to balance fairness and efficiency among competing devices.
9. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: reset the LBT failure counter when the UE switches from an active Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the UE to another BWP.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to techniques for managing Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failure counters in user equipment (UE) operating in environments with multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). The problem addressed is the inefficiency of LBT failure counters when a UE switches between BWPs, as existing counters may not accurately reflect channel conditions in the new BWP, leading to unnecessary delays or failures in transmission attempts. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to reset an LBT failure counter when the UE transitions from an active BWP to another BWP. The LBT failure counter tracks the number of failed LBT attempts, and resetting it upon BWP switching ensures that the counter reflects only the channel conditions of the current BWP. This prevents the accumulation of irrelevant failure counts from previous BWPs, improving transmission efficiency and reducing unnecessary backoff periods. The UE may also perform LBT procedures in the new BWP after resetting the counter, ensuring fair and efficient channel access. This approach is particularly useful in dynamic wireless environments where BWP switching is frequent, such as in 5G New Radio (NR) systems.
10. A method for Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failure detection performed by a User Equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, by a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity of the UE, a Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failure indication from a lower layer of the UE for all uplink (UL) transmissions; increasing an LBT failure counter when the MAC entity receives the LBT failure indication; determining that an LBT failure event has occurred when the LBT failure counter is greater than or equal to a threshold; and resetting the LBT failure counter when a reset of the MAC entity is requested by an upper layer of the UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for detecting Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in User Equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the need for reliable detection of LBT failures, which occur when a UE is unable to access a communication channel due to persistent interference or congestion. The invention provides a method for a UE to monitor and respond to such failures to maintain communication reliability. The method involves a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity within the UE receiving LBT failure indications from lower layers for all uplink (UL) transmissions. Each time an LBT failure indication is received, the MAC entity increments an LBT failure counter. The UE determines that an LBT failure event has occurred when the counter reaches or exceeds a predefined threshold. This threshold-based approach ensures that transient failures are filtered out, while persistent issues are flagged. Additionally, the LBT failure counter is reset when the MAC entity is reset by an upper layer of the UE, allowing the system to recover from failure conditions and resume normal operation. This method improves the robustness of wireless communication by enabling the UE to detect and respond to LBT failures efficiently.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: switching an active Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the UE to another BWP after determining that the LBT failure event has occurred.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in unlicensed spectrum environments, user equipment (UE) must perform Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedures to avoid interference with other devices. However, LBT failures can occur, leading to transmission delays or dropped connections. This invention addresses the problem by dynamically adjusting the bandwidth part (BWP) of the UE when an LBT failure is detected. The method involves monitoring the UE's communication channel for LBT failures, which occur when the channel is occupied by another device, preventing the UE from transmitting. Upon detecting such a failure, the UE switches its active BWP to another available BWP. This switch allows the UE to attempt transmission on a different frequency band, increasing the likelihood of successful communication. The BWP switching is performed automatically in response to the LBT failure, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing data sessions. The invention also includes determining the cause of the LBT failure, such as persistent interference or congestion, and selecting an alternative BWP based on predefined criteria, such as signal quality or available bandwidth. This adaptive approach improves reliability in unlicensed spectrum operations, reducing latency and enhancing user experience. The method is applicable to various wireless standards, including 5G New Radio (NR), where BWP flexibility is a key feature.
12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: indicating, by the MAC entity of the UE, to the upper layer of the UE an LBT failure problem after determining that the LBT failure event has occurred.
A method for wireless communication involves a user equipment (UE) device performing listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to access a shared communication channel. The UE includes a medium access control (MAC) entity that monitors the channel for available transmission opportunities. If the MAC entity detects an LBT failure event, where the channel remains unavailable for transmission beyond a predefined threshold, the MAC entity reports this failure to the UE's upper layer. The upper layer may then take corrective actions, such as adjusting transmission parameters or triggering a fallback mechanism. This method ensures reliable communication by promptly notifying higher protocol layers of LBT-related issues, allowing the UE to adapt its behavior dynamically. The solution addresses challenges in unlicensed spectrum usage, where contention for channel access can lead to transmission delays or failures. By integrating LBT failure detection and reporting within the MAC layer, the method enhances system robustness and efficiency in shared wireless environments.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: performing a Radio Link Failure (RLF) recovery procedure.
A method for wireless communication involves managing radio link failures (RLF) in a network. The method includes detecting a radio link failure between a user device and a base station, where the failure is identified based on criteria such as signal quality degradation or loss of synchronization. Upon detection, the method initiates an RLF recovery procedure to restore the communication link. This procedure may involve the user device attempting to reconnect to the same base station or switching to an alternative base station if available. The recovery process may include transmitting a re-establishment request to the network, which then verifies the device's identity and reconfigures the radio link. If the recovery fails, the device may transition to an idle state or seek a new network connection. The method ensures minimal service disruption by quickly identifying and addressing RLF conditions, improving network reliability and user experience. The technique is particularly useful in environments with unstable radio conditions, such as mobile networks or high-interference areas.
14. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: performing a re-establishment procedure by transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) re-establishment request message indicating a re-establishment cause as LBT failure, when the LBT failure event occurs in a Primary Cell (PCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing issues in radio resource management when Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedures fail in a Primary Cell (PCell). LBT is a mechanism used to avoid interference by ensuring a channel is clear before transmission, particularly in unlicensed spectrum. When an LBT failure occurs, the system may lose connectivity or experience delays, impacting service quality. The method involves detecting an LBT failure event in the PCell, which is the primary cell responsible for control signaling and user data transmission. Upon detecting this failure, the system initiates an RRC re-establishment procedure. This procedure involves transmitting an RRC re-establishment request message to the network, explicitly indicating the re-establishment cause as "LBT failure." This allows the network to recognize the specific reason for the failure and take appropriate corrective actions, such as reallocating resources or switching to a different frequency band. The re-establishment procedure helps maintain or restore communication links, ensuring seamless service continuity despite LBT-related disruptions. This approach is particularly useful in environments where unlicensed spectrum is shared among multiple users or networks, where LBT failures are more likely to occur. The method enhances reliability and efficiency in wireless communication systems operating in such dynamic and contested spectrum conditions.
15. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: transmitting, to a master node, a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) failure report indicating the LBT failure problem when the LBT failure event occurs in a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing issues related to Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) failures in cellular networks. The problem arises when a user equipment (UE) operating in a dual connectivity mode, such as in a New Radio (NR) system, experiences LBT failures in a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) of a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Such failures can disrupt communication and degrade network performance. The method involves detecting an LBT failure event in the PSCell, which is a key cell in the SCG responsible for control signaling. Upon detecting this failure, the UE generates an SCG failure report specifically indicating the LBT failure problem. This report is then transmitted to a master node, such as a master base station (e.g., a Master eNodeB or gNodeB), to notify the network of the issue. The master node can then take corrective actions, such as reconfiguring the SCG or triggering a handover, to mitigate the impact of the LBT failure. The method ensures that the network is promptly informed of LBT-related issues in the PSCell, allowing for timely recovery and maintaining reliable communication. This is particularly important in unlicensed spectrum operations where LBT is mandatory, and failures can lead to significant service disruptions. The solution enhances network robustness by enabling proactive measures to address LBT failures in critical cells.
16. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: receiving a configuration that indicates the threshold.
A system and method for adaptive threshold-based data processing involves dynamically adjusting operational parameters in response to real-time conditions. The technology addresses the challenge of maintaining optimal performance in systems where fixed thresholds lead to inefficiencies, such as in network traffic management, sensor data filtering, or resource allocation. The method includes monitoring system inputs or outputs to detect deviations from expected behavior, then adjusting a threshold value based on these observations. This threshold determines when corrective actions, such as load balancing, data filtering, or resource allocation, are triggered. The system may also receive a predefined configuration that specifies the initial threshold or adjustment rules, allowing customization for different operational scenarios. By dynamically adapting thresholds, the system improves responsiveness and efficiency compared to static threshold approaches. The method can be applied in various domains, including telecommunications, industrial automation, and cybersecurity, where adaptive responses to changing conditions are critical. The configuration step ensures flexibility, enabling the system to be tailored to specific use cases while maintaining automated threshold adjustments.
17. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: resetting the LBT failure counter when the threshold is reconfigured.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedures in unlicensed spectrum environments. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of LBT failure counters, which can lead to unnecessary delays or resource wastage when network conditions change but the counter persists in an outdated state. The method involves monitoring LBT operations in a wireless network, where a device performs LBT procedures to determine channel availability before transmitting data. A failure counter tracks the number of consecutive LBT failures, and if this counter exceeds a predefined threshold, the device may adjust its transmission behavior, such as reducing transmission attempts or switching channels. The key improvement is dynamically resetting the LBT failure counter when the threshold value is reconfigured. This ensures the counter reflects current network conditions rather than outdated parameters, preventing unnecessary penalties on transmission opportunities. The threshold reconfiguration may occur due to changes in network policies, interference levels, or regulatory requirements. By resetting the counter, the system avoids carrying forward irrelevant failure data, improving efficiency and responsiveness in shared spectrum environments. This method is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where LBT failures are frequent and conditions fluctuate rapidly.
18. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: resetting the LBT failure counter when the UE switches from an active Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the UE to another BWP.
A method for managing Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) operations in wireless communication systems, particularly for user equipment (UE) operating in environments requiring LBT procedures, such as unlicensed spectrum. The method addresses the challenge of maintaining efficient LBT performance when the UE switches between different Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), which are configurable subsets of frequency resources. During LBT, the UE monitors the channel before transmitting to avoid collisions. If LBT fails repeatedly, a failure counter increments, potentially triggering backoff or other recovery mechanisms. However, when the UE switches BWPs, the existing LBT failure counter may no longer be relevant to the new BWP's channel conditions. The method resolves this by resetting the LBT failure counter when the UE transitions from one active BWP to another. This ensures that LBT performance is optimized for the new BWP, preventing unnecessary delays or inefficiencies caused by carrying over irrelevant failure counts. The method enhances reliability and efficiency in dynamic spectrum access scenarios.
19. The user equipment (UE) of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: reset the LBT failure counter after the MAC entity has not received the LBT failure indication for a time period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) handling listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures in unlicensed spectrum. The problem addressed is managing LBT failures to improve communication reliability and efficiency. LBT is used to ensure fair spectrum sharing, but repeated failures can degrade performance. The invention provides a mechanism to reset an LBT failure counter when no LBT failure indications are received for a specified time period, preventing unnecessary backoff or channel access restrictions. The UE includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions for wireless communication. The processor monitors LBT failure indications from a medium access control (MAC) entity. If no LBT failure indication is received for a predefined time period, the processor resets the LBT failure counter. This counter tracks the number of consecutive LBT failures, influencing channel access behavior. Resetting it under these conditions avoids prolonged penalties for transient interference, improving spectrum utilization. The time period and reset conditions can be configured based on network or regulatory requirements. This approach enhances reliability in unlicensed spectrum operations by dynamically adjusting to interference conditions.
20. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: resetting the LBT failure counter after the MAC entity has not received the LBT failure indication for a time period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedures in medium access control (MAC) entities. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of LBT failure handling, which can lead to unnecessary delays or resource wastage when a MAC entity repeatedly fails to access a channel due to persistent LBT failures. The method involves monitoring LBT operations in a MAC entity to detect LBT failure indications, which occur when the entity fails to gain access to a communication channel. A counter tracks the number of consecutive LBT failures. If the counter exceeds a predefined threshold, the MAC entity may trigger corrective actions, such as adjusting transmission parameters or deferring access attempts. To improve efficiency, the counter is reset after a period during which no LBT failure indications are received, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing channel conditions. This reset mechanism prevents the counter from accumulating unnecessary failures, ensuring timely and accurate channel access decisions. The method enhances reliability and reduces latency in wireless communications by balancing between aggressive and conservative channel access strategies.
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January 8, 2020
March 8, 2022
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